Pep Guardiola has revealed he almost signed Bruno for Barcelona.

The Manchester City boss tracked the right-back when he was in charge at the Camp Nou.

He also asked former Barça goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta, who was his head of scouting, for reports on Bruno, who was playing for Almeria.

Although Bruno eventually joined Valencia, Guardiola said his Premier League performances have proved Barça would not have been wrong to sign him.

Speaking in the Catalan section of City’s press conference for the Albion game, he said: “Bruno Saltor is part of that club and he is an historic player there.

“I spoke with him at the Amex (in August) and he said he was very happy there with his family.

“I still remember when he was playing at Almeria and with Barcelona we were tracking him. We were so close to signing him and Zubi was trying to get him.

“Now we can see after his long career that it wouldn’t have been a mistake to sign.

“We are very happy he is playing in the Premier League and he has signed for another year and we will meet again next year.

“He is 35, 36 (actually 37) and, from what I’ve heard, there are few professionals like him.

“He takes care of himself in every way.”